Blackberry Sourdough Donuts
Savor the tangy-sweet allure of the Blackberry Sourdough Donuts, crafted with sourdough discard for an irresistible depth of flavor. These pillowy treats are generously filled with luscious blackberry jam, then a finished with a delicate granulated sugar coating. Whether indulging in a morning delight or satisfying a sweet craving, each bite promises a blend of tanginess, sweetness, and crunch!
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Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Milk of choice
Granulated sugar
Active dry yeast
Sourdough discard
Salted butter
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Bread flour
Blackberry jam OR jam of choice
Tips for making Blackberry Sourdough Donuts:
Active Sourdough Starter: Ensure your sourdough discard is from an active sourdough starter for optimal leavening and flavor development in the donuts.
Yeast Activation: Activate the yeast properly by proofing it in warm liquid (such as milk or water) with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough. This ensures that the yeast is alive and active, resulting in a better rise.
Dough Consistency: Pay attention to the consistency of the dough. It should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky, but not overly sticky. Adjust the flour or liquid as needed to achieve the right consistency.
Proper Proofing: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment until it doubles in size. This may take about 1-2 hours depending on the temperature. Keep an eye on the dough and avoid over-proofing, which can lead to dense donuts.
Gentle Handling: Handle the dough gently when shaping and cutting the donuts to prevent deflating them. Use a lightly floured surface and avoid excessive kneading or pressing.
Even Filling: When filling the donuts with blackberry jam, use a piping bag or small spoon to evenly distribute the jam throughout the center of each donut. Avoid overfilling to prevent leakage during air frying.
Air Frying Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) before adding the donuts. Cook the donuts in batches, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
Cooking Time: Air fry the donuts for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Coating Technique: Roll the warm donuts in granulated sugar immediately after air frying to ensure the sugar adheres well. Shake off any excess sugar for a uniform coating.
Serve Fresh: Enjoy the blackberry sourdough donuts fresh on the day they are made for the best texture and flavor. If storing, wait to coat them with sugar until just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
How to store Blackberry Sourdough Donuts:
Room Temperature: If planning to consume the donuts within 1-2 days, store them in a single layer in an airtight container or on a plate covered with plastic wrap at room temperature. Ensure they are fully cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cooled donuts in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Before serving, allow the donuts to come to room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave or air fryer.
Freezer: To store the donuts for an extended period, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until firm. Once frozen, transfer the donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To enjoy, thaw the donuts overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then warm them in the air fryer or microwave before serving.
Without Sugar Coating: If you prefer to store the donuts without the granulated sugar coating, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store them following the same guidelines mentioned above.
Individual Wrapping: For convenient grab-and-go snacks, individually wrap the cooled donuts in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This makes it easy to grab a single serving whenever desired.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use active sourdough starter instead of sourdough discard?
A: Yes, you can use active sourdough starter instead of discard in this recipe. Just adjust the flour and liquid ratios accordingly to account for the starter.
Q: Can I substitute the blackberry jam with another flavor?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite jam or preserves, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot.
Q: How can I ensure my donuts are cooked evenly in the air fryer?
A: Arrange the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Cook them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can result in uneven cooking.
Q: What should I do if my dough is too sticky to handle?
A: If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your hands and work surface to prevent sticking. You can also refrigerate the dough for 15-30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Q: How do I know when the donuts are done cooking in the air fryer?
A: The donuts should be golden brown and puffed up when they are done. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, the donuts are cooked through.
Q: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the donuts ahead of time, then refrigerate them overnight for a long ferment. Let them come to room temperature before air frying. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped donuts and air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How should I store leftover donuts?
A: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat refrigerated or frozen donuts in the air fryer or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I skip the sugar coating?
A: While the sugar coating adds a delightful sweetness and crunch to the donuts, you can omit it if desired. Simply enjoy the donuts without the coating or dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
Q: Can I make these donuts without an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can bake the donuts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the baking time as needed. PLEASE NOTE: Baking the donuts will NOT give as fluffy of a texture than air frying or frying them in oil. If you bake them, don't be surprised if they don't turn out as fluffy.
They can also be fried in oil. See recipe notes below for instructions.
Check out my other sourdough discard recipes on Instagram:
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